Utility companies use utility poles and a system of cables and other supporting equipment to provide public services. These structures also go by many other names, such as transmission poles, telecommunications poles, and telephone poles.
The purpose of these poles is to provide a reliable means of signal transmission for phones, computers, and other telecommunications devices. The overhead suspension protects the hazardous equipment from potential disturbances. Learn how structural steel is integral to building transmission towers.
Benefits of Structural Steel for Transmission Towers
Structural steel is particularly ideal for constructing transmission towers due to the following key benefits.
Strength and Durability
Steel transmission poles can handle heavy loads and harsh outdoor conditions that might cause corrosion or compromise integrity in other materials. It offers excellent compressive strength and tensile strength up to 70,000 psi to withstand pulling and stretching forces.
Longevity
Steel retains its mechanical properties for many years, maximizing the lifespan of the structures it supports. Structural steel transmission poles require little maintenance and repairs over their decades-long service life. Ultimately, this kind of longevity allows for more cost-effective and sustainable constructions.
Cost-Effectiveness
Many construction projects use structural steel because of its optimal cost savings. The following are a few of the main ways you can save with steel transmission towers:
- Shorter project timelines. Structural steel allows for faster construction, thanks to pre-fabricated components that speed up assembly. This helps save time on projects while also cutting down on labor expenses. Power transmission poles using this material can become operational more quickly.
- Reduced foundation expenses. Steel’s high strength-to-weight ratio makes it a suitable replacement for concrete and other heavier foundation materials without compromising quality. Thus, construction projects for transmission towers can lower their foundation expenses.
- Minimal maintenance requirements. Steel towers resist gradual degradation, corrosion, and pests, minimizing maintenance needs and costs associated with repairs and replacements.
Types of Transmission Towers That Use Structural Steel
Structural steel provides an efficient and reliable solution for multiple types of transmission towers:
- Primary power transmission poles. These poles transmit high-voltage power (230 kV or more) between power stations. Made of structural steel, primary power transmission towers are usually anchored to the ground using concrete.
- Distribution poles. Structural steel distribution poles transmit secondary low-voltage power at 5-33 kV to power residential and commercial properties. These steel towers carry electricity that has already been converted through a service drop for everyday use.
- Light poles. Light poles that transmit power to public services like street lights, traffic lights, and CCTV systems also rely on structural steel for their construction. What differentiates these poles from transmission and distribution poles is their self-supporting nature.
Structural Steel Transmission Tower Metal Supply From Sugar Steel
Sugar Steel provides top-quality structural steel components for tower manufacturing companies and many other industries. Whether you require pipes, wide flange beams, angles, plates, sheets, or other components, we can supply you with the right products. We also offer numerous processing services to develop custom components, including plate forming and processing, shot blasting, tee splitting, and cambering.
Sugar Steel is one of many Delta Steel locations, serving customers in the Chicago area with standard and custom steel solutions tailored to unique specifications. Contact us today to discuss your needs.